Apply for Housing

Thank you for your interest in Chinatown CDC's housing. We recognize that there is a shortage of affordable housing opportunities in San Francisco. We make every effort to make the application process as easy as possible whenever we have current vacancies or anticipated vacancies.

The application process differs for each of our buildings. When a wait list opens, where to pick up and how to return an application for that building will be posted on the wait list announcement and on this web site. Applications are also available for download on this web page. Reasonable accommodations are provided upon request. Depending on the building, applications may be:

- Picked up at the property site only, and - Returned in person OR returned by mail only

In fairness to all applicants, we strictly adhere to the published process for each opportunity. The process and eligibility requirements do differ by building so please take note of individual announcements.

Single rooms with community kitchens, some with private baths. Support Service Program available on site. This building has limited accessibility. Limit one resident per room. Please click here to download an application.

Studios, one-bedrooms, two-bedrooms, three-bedrooms units. Income and occupancy restrictions apply. Resident Services activities scheduled regularly and open to all tenants. This building is accessible.

Housing Applications FAQs

Q: What happens to my application after I turn it in? Your application is date and time stamped by Property Management. Management also reviews your application to make sure that all of the required information is complete. Your application is then added to the waiting list for that property. The order is determined by the specific property’s requirements. If you are eligible for an available unit and are at the top of the wait list, you will be contacted by Property Management for an interview. If you are not eligible you will receive a letter stating the reasons for your ineligibility, which you may appeal. All applicants must meet income limit guidelines and family composition regulations to become residents of our buildings.

Q: Can I pick up an application for your buildings at your Main Office? Our main office does not give out applications unless a current wait list opening announcement lists the main office as the location to pick up or drop off a completed application. Please read the announcements for application pick up location and instructions. If you want to apply for more than one building, you must fill out an application for each site separately.

Q: How long are the waiting lists? Generally we receive a lot of applications for our properties. The time to reach the top of the waiting list varies depending on the building. Since Chinatown CDC provides quality affordable housing our residents tend to stay with us for many years. Turnover in our buildings is very low. Wait lists can take a month to a few years. Applicants need to be patient.

Q: How do I update my contact information on an application I already submitted? If you change your address or phone number, it is your responsibility to inform the building manager(s) immediately in writing or by calling the office listed on the application and we will update the information in our records.

Q: Will I be removed from the waiting list if I refuse a unit? If you are offered a unit in a building you have applied for and choose to refuse that unit you may maintain your position on the building waitlist, drop to the bottom of the list or be removed from the waitlist. The process will vary depending on the building and will be written and provided to you by property management. We encourage you to feel free to ask questions of property management when you are ready to make a decision.

Q: How can I check my application status? You can check your application status at the building(s) for which you applied by using the address and phone number provided in the correspondence.